Practice notes, April 9

After watching his offense knock its defensive counterparts around in recent workouts, head coach Larry Coker declared Monday’s practice at Farris Stadium to have been a victory for the uglier side of the ball.

“We had a good defensive day today,” Coker said. “We blitzed a little more, as much for the offense as the defense. The linebackers really stood out. I really liked Brandon Reeves, I really liked Cody Rogers. That’s going to be a good group.”

Still looked to this observer like the offense had its moments against a secondary playing at less than full strength. But the defense, despite giving up a long completion on fourth down, did hold firm on the only two-minute drill of the day, with Marlon Smith blocking Sean Ianno’s 46-yard field goal to end practice.

* Coker said safeties coach Perry Eliano has taken over special teams responsibilities from receivers coach Tony Jeffrey.

“Tony had no time to work individual routes and timing with the receivers, and I wanted to improve that,” Coker said. “It was a lot on his plate, but it’s not like he didn’t do a good job. He did. It’s nice to have a defensive guy doing it, and I like what I’ve seen so far.”

* Not surprisingly, Coker had little to say about UTSA’s ongoing courtship with the Mountain West Conference/Conference USA, other than the fact that it’s good to be wanted. (If the Roadrunners can’t squeeze their way into the so-called Intergalactic Planetary Super Football Conference, they would seem to be in prime position to earn an invitation from the Sun Belt.)

“The main thing is that people are interested in us,” Coker said. “Where that takes us, I don’t know. I think (the IPSFC) and the Sun Belt, those two definitely have some interest in us.”

Beyond that, Coker said Priority No. 1 is to be a good member of the Western Athletic Conference. (Which overlooks the fact that every other football-playing member of the WAC is looking to jump ship as well.)

* I’ve been a fairly staunch defender of quarterback Eric Soza, who continues to maintain his grip on the starting position with his typically solid play. But damn if backup Ryan Polite doesn’t look good every time I’ve been out to practice.

His throwing motion, which appears as if he’s trying to shot-put a 20-pound mail box with his off hand, is still as goofy as ever. But as was the case in high school, where he was one of the most productive passers in state history, the ball manages to go where he wants it. Tuesday’s highlight was a long TD pass to Mike Wilburn against the blitz during 11-on-11 drills.

“He’s a totally different player,” Coker said of the redshirt freshman from DeSoto.

* A team spokesman said safety Nic Johnston and linebacker Cole Hubble have been ruled out for Sunday’s spring game. Receivers Earon Holmes and Kam Jones participated in drills but not full-contact scrimmage work.